Weber

Max Weber was a firm rationalist, but divided the philosphy into two; goal-rationalism and value-rationalism. Whereas goal rationaisml refers to a means to an end, value rationalism encapsulates the idea that “the end sanctifies the means”.

Weber follows the teachings of Kant as he believes that there is no absolute reality, and that we cannot know objects entirely or in their true essence. He also believed that although there is no way of us achieving absolute knowledge, it is possible for us to be rational and honest.

According to Webber, there are four types of social actions and these include rational actions which are taken because we want to take them, and are generally considered to be good ideas. Value-rational actions are taken because we attach value to them. Emotional actions are taken because of we have an emotional inclination towards them, and finally, traditional actions are considered to be the norm in society.

In the 1930s, Max Weber wrote a piece, which described the bureaucratic form as the ideal. This bureaucratic form can be seen in companies today.

A pyramid scheme structure in which each level is controlled by the one above and controls the one below. Control through rules which allow decisions made at higher levels to be implemented by the ones below. Particular work is to be carried out by those who specialise in that given area, and these people ought to be organised into units of specialisation. Each unit and employee ought to be treated equally, but employment must be based on technical qualifications.

“If the mission is described as "up-focused," then the organization's purpose is to serve the stockholders, the board, or whatever agency empowered it. If the mission is to serve the organization itself, and those within it, e.g., to produce high profits, to gain market share, or to produce a cash stream, then the mission is described as "in-focused." http://www.bustingbureaucracy.com/excerpts/weber.htm